Guest Author - Paula Petrie

The CPSC wants to warn us to be on the look out for dangerous counterfeit electrical products. Because of their nature, counterfeit electrical products can pose a risk of injury or death. Counterfeit circuit breakers, power strips, extension cords, batteries and holiday lights can cause
fires, explosions, shocks and electrocutions.

The problem is that manufacturers of counterfeit products often neglect to use key components or skimp in the manufacturing process to save money. This allows them to pass on cheaper prices, but they also pass on the hazards. Fake consumer products are not tested for compliance to relevant safety standards.

CPSC has recalled more than one million counterfeit electrical products in recent years, including circuit breakers that did not trip when overloaded; cell phone batteries without a safety device in the circuitry to prevent overcharging; and extension cords with mislabeled, undersized wiring that overheated.

Many counterfeit products are made in China and CPSC is actively working with the Chinese government to reduce the number of unsafe products that are exported to the United States. The CPSC also states they are working with Customs and Border Protection in the Department of Homeland Security, legitimate manufacturers, and certifying testing laboratories to identify and stop unsafe counterfeit products at U.S. ports and in the marketplace.

The CPSC warns that counterfeits can be extremely difficult to spot. They have stated, “A counterfeit electrical product could be a knock-off of a name brand product or one that bears an authorized certification marking.”

The following tips have been offered by the CPSC to help avoid counterfeit hazards:

-Scrutinize the product, the packaging and the labeling.

-Look for a certification mark from an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the manufacturer's label.

-Trademarked logos that look different than usual may signal a counterfeit.

-Trust your instincts. If the price is "too good to be true," it could be because the product is an inferior and unsafe counterfeit.

-Be extra vigilant when buying from an unknown source such as a street vendor, non-authorized dealer, dollar store, online retailer or an individual.

-Ask about the return policy. Get a receipt and look for
missing sales tax. Businesses selling counterfeit goods often don't report their sales.

-Stay informed. Sign up for CPSC e-mail alerts, so when a dangerous product is recalled, you'll know about it right away.

-Report safety-related incidents to the manufacturer or CPSC.

-For additional information visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International's Web site: www.electrical-safety.org